Sponsor/ Donor - Advocating for human rights, gender equity, and preventing stigma and discrimination against the under-served communities

Sponsor/ Donor

MN Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

MN DEED + Start Diversity for Gender Equality

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED) is a proud funding partner of Start Diversity for Gender Equality, “Workforce Capacity Building for Underserved Communities” training program designed to enhance the workforce capacity of underserved communities in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA). With DEED’s strategic investment, Start Diversity is delivering trauma-informed, participant-centered workforce training modules that equip individuals with in-demand skills, career navigation support, resume preparation, interview techniques, and mentorship rooted in lived experience. The initiative integrates cultural responsiveness into service delivery, digital literacy, and sector-specific pathways to ensure participants are not only job-ready-but empowered to thrive in workplaces. This partnership reflects MN DEED’s commitment to building a workforce ecosystem where culture-diverse talent is recognized, supported, and positioned for long-term success. Together, we are transforming training into tool for systemic change-one-cohort, one career, one community at a time.

ACER INC

ACER INC + Start Diversity for Gender Equality

ACER Inc, a trusted advocate for African immigrant communities in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, has join with Start Diversity to expand access to Civic Engagement training for black and color individuals, and culture-diverse residents across Minneapolis. With deep roots in community organizing and economic development, ACRE brings more than funding-it brings cultural fluency, trust, and infrastructure to ensure training programs are responsive to real-world barriers. Through this partnership, Start Diversity delivered Community Organizing, Phone banking, door knocking and advocacy. Together, ACER and Start Diversity are closing the gaps in opportunity by co-designing civic engagement strategies training that reflects the lived experiences of culture-diverse communities. This collaboration is more than program, it’s a movement to reimagine Black vote(s) systems as equitable, and community powered.

Individual Donors + Start Diversity for Gender Equality

Start Diversity for Gender Equality is deeply grateful to the individual’s donors whose generosity fuels our mission to build an inclusive educational & training environment, Community Organizing, Advocacy and Workforce Training including gender-diverse communities. These supporters, neighbors, mentors, volunteers, and advocates, contribute more than funding; they invest in possibility. Their gift helps us deliver culturally responsive training, mentorship circles, and barrier-reduction strategies that open doors to economic mobility. Whether through-time contributions or sustained giving, individual donors are the heartbeat of our work, reminding us that equity begins with community and grows through collective care.

_ “We want to say thank you from our hearts, and God bless you all!”

Partners

Hennepin Technical College

Start Diversity is proud to partner with Hennepin Technical college to deliver targeted workforce training that prepares gender, culturally diverse participants for careers in high demand field. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building inclusive training pathways that connect underrepresented talent to stable, high-demand jobs in Minneapolis infrastructure workforce.

Immigrant Development Center

At the Immigrant Development Center, they believe economic empowerment begins with access, dignity, and community-led opportunity. They offer training in business micro-loans, and culturally grounded mentorship to help individuals turn ideas into thriving enterprises. That is why Start Diversity is proud to partner with Immigrant Development Center to expand workforce training for Culturally diverse communities. This partnership will allow us to deepen our impact, bridge gaps in access, and build an inclusive economy where marginalized voices lead and gender equity is not just a value, but practice.

KMTV Live

KMTV Live has partnered with Start Diversity to amplify the voices of culturally diverse communities through media storytelling and workforce advocacy. As one of the leading digital online broadcasters, KMTV brings its platform production expertise, and reginal reach to spotlight the lived experiences of women, immigrant and marginalized individuals and participants engaged in the workforce training across Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, and across the Liberian diaspora. The collaboration bridges continents and communities, using media to challenge stigma, celebrate resilience, and elevate equity-driven solutions that empower individuals to thrive in both local and global economies.

Headwater Foundation for Justice

Headwater Foundation for Justice + Start Diversity for Gender Equality

Start Diversity for Gender Equality has established a values-driven partnership with Headwaters Foundation for Justice to advance workforce training as pathway to gender justice. Through this collaboration, Start Diversity staff have attended several meetings and training including events with Headwaters Foundation for Justice to deepen ties and equip the organization staff. This will support trauma-informed, culturally grounded training programs for women, marginalized individuals, and gender-diverse communities.

The Garage

Start Diversity for Gender Equality is proud to partner with The Garage to create a pathway for youth and adults through music, entertainment, and linkages. As a long standing all ages venue and referral hub, the Garage offers a unique platform for participants to connect with and attend live events, while fostering confidence, collaboration, and community. This partnership increases workforce readiness with cultural expression, empowering young people to explore careers in the creative economy and reimagine what equity looks behind the scenes and on stage.

365 Accounting Services

Start Diversity for Gender Equality is proud to form partnership with 365 Accounting Services to strengthen internal capacity through targeted financial training for staff. This collaboration equips team members with essential skills in nonprofit budgeting, grant compliance, and financial reporting, ensuring that Start Diversity’s programs are not only mission-driven but fiscally sound. With 365 Accounting’s expertise in culturally responsive financial management, the training fosters transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability across workforce initiatives.

Project Management Institute

Start Diversity for Gender Equality with funding from DEED is honored to partner with the Project Management Institute (PMI) to strengthen staff capacity through professional training in project design, implementation, and evaluation. With PMI globally recognized framework and tools, Start Diversity team members are gaining critical skills in timeline development, and outcome tracking, ensuring that workforce initiatives are executed with precision, accountability, and impact. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to operational excellence and equitydriven service delivery, empowering staff to lead complex programs that uplift gender-diverse community across Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center.

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